USC has that remarkable bowl record, but the Trojans have not translated it to success in the Sun just yet.

USC's overall postseason record is 32-16 and the Trojans are 24-9 in their 33 Rose Bowl appearances. However, they are 0-2 in the Hyundai Sun Bowl.

Michigan State edged USC in an outstanding game in 1990, taking a win in the game that was then known as the John Hancock Bowl. USC was ranked 21st in the nation, Michigan State was ranked 22nd and it was a hard-hitting affair. USC had a strong edge in the statistics, but also had four turnovers -- two in Michigan State's end zone.

TCU upset a heavily favored USC team in 1998, taking a 28-19 win over the Trojans.

One from El Paso

While USC has had 32 lettermen in its history from Texas, only one of those has come from El Paso.

Linebacker Ron Preston, a Bel Air High School graduate, lettered for USC in 1970.

A little levity

USC coach Lane Kiffin announced Thursday that record-breaking quarterback Matt Barkley will miss the 79th annual Hyundai Sun Bowl due to his shoulder injury and that redshirt freshman Max Wittek would start in his place, putting Wittek into the spotlight.

Wittek started the Trojans' regular-season finale against Notre Dame, which was a 22-13 loss for USC.

When asked if he would change much because of a different quarterback, Kiffin said, "Fortunately, this isn't the first time he's had to do this. And he's been taking reps all through bowl prep. We won't change much. We recruit for our system, so we don't have to change much."

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After a pause, breaking into a slight grin, Kiffin said, "We will throw a flea flicker back to Marqise Lee on the first play of the game."

There were chuckles around the room and Kiffin looked at Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson and said, "I'm serious."

Bill Knight may be reached at bknight@elpasotimes.com; 546-6171. Follow him on Twitter @BillKnightept